JRE #1605 – Mark Smith

This podcast features Mark Smith, a multifaceted individual with a compelling background as an Air Force F-16 fighter pilot, NASA and White House employee, Thunderbird pilot, and MMA referee. The conversation touches upon a variety of intriguing topics, delving into the world of aviation, military service, and mixed martial arts. While there are no overtly provocative or controversial themes, the podcast offers a unique blend of personal anecdotes and technical insights, highlighting Smith’s extraordinary experiences and multifaceted career.

Major Podcast Topics:

1. The Challenges of MMA Refereeing:
   • The difficulty of making split-second decisions about fighter safety amidst the intensity of a fight.
   • The pressure of being judged by millions of viewers and navigating social media criticism.
   • The delicate balance between stopping a fight too early and risking long-term injury for the fighter.
   • The importance of understanding fighter history and expertise when making critical decisions in the octagon.
2. Mark Smith’s Air Force Experience:
   • His role as an F-16 fighter pilot, including service at NASA, the White House, and the Thunderbirds.
   • His experience as an “aggressor” pilot, mimicking enemy forces to train pilots for combat.
   • His encounters with stealth bombers and other advanced aircraft, including a memorable sighting of a B-2 bomber.
   • The technological advancements in fighter jets, specifically the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, and their capabilities.
3. The G-Force Challenge:
   • The effects of high G-forces on the human body and the use of g-suits and pressure breathing to combat them.
   • Smith’s personal experience with g-force training, including a black-out during a Blue Angels flight.
   • The importance of physical fitness and strength training for pilots to endure the demanding conditions.
   • The physiological limits of the human body in the face of extreme acceleration.
4. Space Exploration and the Future of Space Travel:
   • Smith’s perspective on the Space Force and its potential role in future space exploration and defense.
   • The historical context of the space race and the loss of knowledge from the Apollo missions.
   • The challenges and possibilities of establishing a base on the moon and the potential for future missions to Mars.
   • The role of private companies in space travel and the development of commercial space stations.
5. The US-Russia Relationship in Space:
   • The reliance of the US on Russia for access to the International Space Station and the historical complexities of their relationship.
   • Smith’s experience training with Russian cosmonauts at Star City, outside of Moscow.
   • The unique challenges of cultural exchange and security protocols when working with Russian counterparts.
   • The potential for future collaboration between the US and Russia in space exploration.
6. The Transition from Fighter Pilot to MMA Referee:
   • Smith’s introduction to boxing and martial arts through his Air Force training and subsequent interest in MMA.
   • His path to becoming an MMA referee, including his training under Herb Dean and Big John McCarthy.
   • The importance of judging and refereeing experience in amateur leagues as a foundation for a professional career.
   • The high demands of the job, requiring not only physical fitness but also a deep understanding of MMA rules and techniques.
7. Instant Replay in MMA:
   • The introduction of instant replay technology in MMA and its potential to improve officiating.
   • Smith’s role in the development of the instant replay system for MMA, drawing from boxing experience.
   • The challenges of using instant replay to address potential fouls and injuries, ensuring fairness and safety.
   • The impact of instant replay on the flow of the fight and the potential for controversy.
8. Fighter Safety and Officiating Ethics:
   • Smith’s commitment to fighter safety and his philosophy of minimizing interference in a fight.
   • The importance of understanding a fighter’s history and capabilities when making decisions about stopping a fight.
   • The evolving nature of officiating in MMA, with new challenges emerging with advancements in techniques.
   • The impact of a referee’s decisions on the outcome of a fight and the importance of maintaining a high level of proficiency.
9. The Rise of MMA and the UFC’s Impact:
   • The popularity of MMA and the UFC’s dominance in the sport.
   • The UFC’s leadership in bringing back live sports during the pandemic.
   • The unique dynamic of fights without an audience and the impact on the fighters and officials.
   • The potential for future growth and advancements in MMA.
10. The Impact of Calf Kicks in MMA:
    • The increasing prevalence of calf kicks in MMA and their devastating effects.
    • The importance of proper checking technique to mitigate the impact of calf kicks.
    • The potential for calf kicks to alter a fighter’s game plan and create opportunities for stoppages.
    • The contrasting absence of calf kicks in Muay Thai and potential explanations for this difference.
11. The Mental and Physical Demands of MMA Officiating:
    • Smith’s commitment to physical fitness and his training regimen, including strength training and specialized drills.
    • The mental and emotional toll of refereeing high-stakes fights, especially those involving elite athletes.
    • The importance of pre-fight preparation, including studying fighters and understanding their techniques.
    • The impact of a referee’s decisions on the fighters, coaches, and fans and the importance of staying objective.
12. The Importance of Mentorship and Professional Development:
    • The role of mentorship from experienced officials like Herb Dean and Big John McCarthy in Smith’s development.
    • The importance of continuous learning and professional development for MMA officials.
    • The emphasis on teamwork and collaboration among officials to maintain a high level of officiating.
    • The challenges of navigating personal relationships with fighters and maintaining a professional distance.
13. The Importance of Character and Discipline:
    • The correlation between military service and strong character development, as observed by Smith.
    • The value of discipline and commitment in achieving goals, both in military service and in MMA officiating.
    • The development of a “championship mentality” through exposure to elite athletes and high-stakes competitions.
    • The importance of self-confidence and professionalism in any field.
14. Mark Smith’s Reflections on His Life and Accomplishments:
    • His passion for achieving personal goals and making his parents proud.
    • His dedication to his children as a single father and his pride in their accomplishments.
    • His desire to continue pursuing new challenges and making a positive impact.
    • His perspective on the importance of good character, hard work, and perseverance in life.

5 Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

• “I’m one of the best. And what’s crazy is I got a text from Pete Sprat, the o g. That’s my buddy. And Pete Sprat, let me know about your background. Like, I did not know your fighter pilot. I did not know that you did you work at area 51?”
• “You know, the stuff that we’re flying now. So I will tell you this. The first time I fought on the range against the F Twenty 2 Raptor. and I’ll fought against everything in the world. So I’ll Denellis with the aggressors. Everybody comes there to train to get prepared for combat. there’s no better plane in the world than F Twenty 2.”
• “The the back engine will rotate, so it’ll take out vertical. And then as it’s going forward, the engine will rotate back the other way to give it forward propulsion. but, man, just technology wise, the stuff that we’re flying now.”
• “You know, I’ve always had the goal of, you know, achieving something incredible in life. What is this Jeremy? Guys going, paying money to go. Oh, my citizen. God. Oh, to the ISS for now. Axiom oh, for now. Oh, this is the first.”
• “My my neck started to get bigger and my thyroid wasn’t large. Yeah. It was it was, like, 9 a half centimeters. and we decided to have a surgery to take it out. Oh, jeez. The crazy thing about that is when I had the surgery, the anesthesiologist made a little mistake.”